Social media storm after WA cull claims first shark

Opponents of the West Australian government's shark culling program have responded angrily to the first killing in the state's waters.

A fisherman contracted by the WA government to set and monitor baited drum lines one kilometre off beaches in the South West region was reportedly seen on Sunday morning shooting a large shark off Meelup beach, near Dunsborough, about 250 kilometres south of Perth.

The shark had been caught in the drum lines, which were set up on Saturday, and was then towed further out to sea.

Advertisement

''So sad'', ''disgrace'' and ''shame'', were among the comments wrote on social media.

Others commented that it was awful news on Australia Day, while WA Premier Colin Barnett was heckled at a citizenship ceremony in Wanneroo.

''While we drink beer the shark cull has started in WA. #dobetteraustralia,'' one tweet read.

Sea Shepherd's Jeff Hansen said the shark was believed to be a tiger shark more than three metres long.